Emerald Ash Borer

This ash-killing critter was identified in Westchester Township in Porter County. The insect was found in a monitored live trap tree. I don’t want to repeat all of the same information that was in the DNR press release. What I do want to cover is what all of this means for you as home owners. There are some things you need to consider regarding any ash trees you may have on your property before you dive into treating or removing trees:

  • The most effective treatments against EAB, are preventative, not curative. You should not wait until your ash trees are infected to treat.
  • Smaller trees (under 10” diameter) can be treated by a soil application of a product called imidicloprid (Merit). The consumer strength version of this product (1.47%) available at local garden centers, will only be effective on small trees under 4” diameter. Higher concentrations are needed for effective control on trees over 4” diameter. Special Note: These treatments are not necessarily cheap, and are required every year for as long as EAB is in our area. If you do not want to deal with annual treatments, you may want to consider removing and replacing the tree with an alternate species.
  • Photo Courtesy of Forestry Images, Ash Borer DamageLarger trees (over 10” diameter) require a trunk injection method for effective prevention. Soil applications do not get a high enough concentration of the active product in the tree to be beneficial on larger trees. This method requires professional installation. Certain trunk injection treatments also provide 2 year control of EAB. You can expect a treatment cost of $10-15 per diameter inch on the trunk injection method.
  • Make sure the tree you are considering preserving is in good health. Don’t waste good money treating a tree that should be removed.
  • Be careful who you hire! Check qualification and credentials. Never hire anyone knocking on your door and asking for payment up front. Get all quotes in writing.
  • If you decide to treat you ash trees, soil applications can be done any time the ground is not frozen. Trunk injection treatments will need vascular flow, so you will need to wait until spring and thereafter.

This is the nitty-gritty information you would have a hard time finding if it wasn’t for your friendly neighborhood Certified Arborist. More EAB information is available at www.entm.purdue.edu/EAB. Russell Hodge Is an ISA Certified Arborist. He can be reached at (219) 942-2213, 1-800-ARBORCARE, or by e-mail at certifiedarborist@verizon.net.